No one is required to speak up, but there will be opportunities to do so.

Agenda available at secular.org state page.

Thank you for joining us for this historic event. The inaugural Secular Coalition for North Dakota monthly conference call!

Despite the fact that there are tens of millions of nontheistic Americans, we remain one of the most marginalized groups in the country.

The Secular Coalition for America is the only 501(c)(4) representing secular and nontheistic Americans.

The Secular Coalition for America is working to make sure that we are heard on Capitol Hill. We fight in Washington DC against religious privileging on a federal level, yet some of the most egregious violations of separation of church and state are being promoted and passed at a state level.

The Secular Coalition for America is forming state chapters across the country.

Our chapters will bring together secular Americans in each state to lobby on secular issues.

State Government

Governor

Jack Dalrymple, Republican appointed in 2010 after John Hoeven resigned to run for Senate, running for re-election

North Dakota Legislative Assembly

No 2012 legislative session, only convene on odd-numbered years

Senate has 47 members which serve 4 year terms. Controlled by the Republican Party with 35 Republican s and 12 Democrats

The House of Representatives has 94 members who serve 4 year terms. Controlled by the Republican Party with 69 Republicans and 25 Democrats

23 Senate seats and 47 House seats up for election in November 2012.

Overview of the State Chapter Model

A Secular Coalition for America state chapter is unlike any other nontheistic state organization-it brings together interested organization and individuals for the exclusive purpose of lobbying.

Cannot "electioneer" - endorse or speak out against specific candidates

Same Mission- to increase the visibility of and respect for nontheistic viewpoints in the United States, and to protect and strengthen the secular character of our government as the best guarantee of freedom for all.

Similar Purpose - accomplish its mission through cooperation between local groups and coordinated state lobbying activities.

Chapters are representatives of the SCA

As lobbyists we must be the diplomats of the secular movement

Nonpartisan, respectful, diplomatic

We believe secular values are American values

Fundraising

Fundraising challenges prevent chapter growth

SCA will do all the fundraising and provide all resources the chapter needs

Donations will go to the SCA for the benefit of the state chapters

Official Chapter Recognition

Once your state chapter is organized, the executive committee and a representative of the SCA will sign a memo of understanding officially recognizing the Secular Coalition for North Dakota and giving the group access to our resources.

Membership/Leadership

Executive Committee

No set number of members or roles

Flexible to availability and strengths of individuals who want to get involved

LOBBYIST : seek the introduction of legislation or to promote, oppose, or influence in any manner the passage by the Legislature of any legislation affecting the special interests of any agency, individual, association, or business, as distinct from those of the whole people of the state,

Lobbying Registration Information:

Cost: A lobbyist must have an official name badge which is issued when they register, and they must wear the badge at all times when lobbying. Lobbyists must also file a written authorization from their employer stating that they are authorized to lobby on the employer's behalf. The registration fee is $40